Absence from country during period of unemployment

[SSA_18]

First of all thank you so much to all members to this group who tirelessly respond to so many queries patiently. I along with countless members are very grateful to you for keeping this group alive with your service.

I am currently on Tier 1 and will be applying for my ILR in the beginning of September. I am a bit concerned about the recent changes in regards to the requirement for absence letters for Tier 1 to ILR applicants. I was absent from the country for about 25 days in 2010 whilst being unemployed. I am trying to get employer letters for all other absences (with minimal success although) but for this period I was not sure what to do. I do understand from the forum that most of the members don't seem to have any issues with this requirement from the case workers but was still a little bit worried on how to approach this.

I was wondering what would be the best course – a self-certified letter about the absence from UK and stating that I was unemployed? I didn’t know if it was good to throw the spotlight on this too much as well… Anybody else who has just got through the ILR process successfully with a similar situation?? What would be the best thing to do?? It will be great if you could share your experiences at all if possible?

My situation:

• Sep 2009 changed from PSW to Tier 1 (In country) – got 3 years initial visa.
• Extended for 2 years in Sep 2012.
• Total absence during 5 years is around 155 days.

Thank you for your help in advance.

[SSA_18]

Anybody else in the same boat at all please ? I am hoping that this should be fine, but just slightly concerned after all...

[hsr1972]

Hi

I don't see any issue here just because you are unemployed and absence for 25 days . In Tier1 route you don't need to be in employment throughout 5 years and if you are less than 180 days in 12 calendar months ..should be OK. It is only applicable for Tier 2 -Work Permit route . In the letter you can just say your absence reason i.e for example Family visit ....no need even to specify you are employed or unemployed. They just need the reason of absence and number of days out during that period .

cheers
hsr 72

[asmiali]

I am in the same boat as you and very worried about it.

I was changing jobs at the time and I left my job on 31 March, 2012 and went to Pakistan for holiday. I then came back on 15th April to start work. Unfortunately, I am also unsure what to do.

[aquaerduo]

Hi SSA_18,

Please can you share with us what documents you supplied for your application in relation to this absence?

I'm in the exact same situation as you and due for application next week..

Any experience you can share with us will be great!!

Many thanks,
C